Bachands leave the house for the hall

They sold out a pair of house concerts last year and there’s no reason to expect anything less this time around.

Talented young Victoria musicians Quinn and Qristina Bachand have acquired a big following internationally, in Canada, and here on the North Island.

Over the last two years you may have seen Quinn performing locally at concerts with Ashley McIsaac, Pierre Schryer, and Shane Cook. And you may have been lucky enough to see Quinn and his sister Qristina performing at Gardeners Green Folk Club house concerts.

As their following grows, so too do their venues, and Merville is no exception.

The Bachands have outgrown the house concert setting, so this year’s show, Thursday, June 11, has been moved to the Big Yellow Merville Hall.

Qristina and Quinn began their musical lives early, both specializing in classical violin. Quinn soon discovered his affinity for all stringed instruments, quickly mastered both guitar and banjo along with various other instruments, and the duo began to draw on their Celtic heritage for material.

Their first CD, Relative Minors, was released in 2008, and their second, Family, in 2011. Their newest CD, Little Hinges, has just been released, so named for the adage “big things swing on little hinges”.

Qristina’s sultry voice and superb fiddle playing continue to captivate audiences. With a degree in public health under her belt, she will be beginning a masters degree in traditional music at the University of Limerick in September.

Quinn currently attends the prestigious Berklee College of Music in Boston on a full scholarship. Despite being only 18 years old, over the years he has toured with a number of top performers including Natalie McMaster and Ashley McIsaac. Quinn also has another musical life with his award-winning gypsy jazz band Brishen. Quinn and Qristina together have won many music awards including Top Traditional Group and Top Duo at the Irish Music Awards.

Don’t miss a fantastic evening’s entertainment with the Bachands’ exciting mix of phenomenal talent, youthful vigour, and Celtic-tinged traditional and new music. Advance tickets are available at Long and McQuade in Courtenay, $18 for adults, $12 for youths, or online at bit.ly/1FP8uzS

They’ll also be available at the door on the concert night, Thursday, June 11 for $22 adults, $15 youths.